Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility, water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

SM Group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished—Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility

SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI Health and Medical Programs senior project manager Albert Uy runs through how the system functions.

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

To guide users toward safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.

These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets replicating this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges.

“I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation.”

These inspiring words come from 18-year-old Princess Eunice Motel, an SM scholar currently pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She is one of two children of Hildajane, an on-call factory re-packer, and Richard, a set man, hailing from Caloocan City.

Princess’ dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, deeply rooted in her heart and mind since her childhood. This calling became even more pronounced when she embraced her Christian faith.

“My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God’s word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation,” she said.

To pursue her dreams, Princess has chosen to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution. “PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers,” she remarked. “As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there’s no better place to achieve that than at PNU.”

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but opted to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.

Despite considering other career paths, Jhona opted for education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. “Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics,” she shared. Driven by her love for reading and writing, she also chose to specialize in English.

When asked if she plans to work abroad after graduation, Jhona keeps her options open, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “But right now, I want to ensure that my mother enjoys a good life before making such a significant decision,” she explained.

Another aspiring educator is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, is the family’s sole breadwinner while her mother dedicates her time to caring for the family. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four State universities and ultimately chose to enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, as per a recent survey.

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.

When asked about her motivation to become a teacher, Krissa responded, “Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me.” She has selected Science as her major to deepen her understanding of the subject and to enlighten others about it.

Krissa has no plans to teach abroad. She believes that while there is demand for teachers overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines: “My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country.”

Through the years, the SM college scholarship program has empowered 3,791 graduates who have enrolled in over 120 partner colleges and universities across the nation. These scholars enjoy full tuition benefits, monthly allowances, part-time work opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks, job offers from the SM Group upon graduation, and engaging activities and enrichment programs.

Additionally, SM’s tech-voc scholarship program has produced 4,669 graduates, further contributing to the development of skilled professionals in various fields.

SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability.

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through the SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use.

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.  

“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said.

 Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters.

SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. (Photo from SCPW)

As the world celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) and hosted the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex.

Bannering the theme “Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture,” the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches. 

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep leads the opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism about how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.

Notable experts in the field also graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences, including Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers kicked off the discussion by sharing about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts.

Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.

Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team’s experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.

Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor.

“It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing their common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future,” SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications, Rida Reyes Castillo

Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime’s sustainability campaign and that they believe in the power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future.

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.

In solidarity with earthquake-hit countries Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last Feb. 27, 2023.
Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria.
Additionally, the social good arm of SM also donated Php5 million to help address the needs of earthquake victims.
The aid comes after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Türkiye and northwest Syria. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages.

To learn more about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit http://www.sm-foundation.org or follow its social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube): @SMFoundationInc.

SMFI’s Connie Angeles (second from left) hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang (first and fourth from left, respectively). Photo from PRC.

BingoPlus Foundation Inc., the corporate arm of leisure entertainment brand BingoPlus, has made education one of its causes to support with a PhP6 million scholarship granted to iACADEMY under its FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program.

Officers of the Foundation signed an agreement with representatives of iACADEMY to sponsor ten students last November 2 at the head office of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) at Tektite Building in Pasig.

With its specialization in the field of information technology, iACADEMY was seen as the perfect partner school for BP Foundation as it aligns well with the Foundation’s vision to create IT-competent professionals in the future. BingoPlus Foundation firmly believes that education and technology are important components of nation-building and has thus prioritized the FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program as one of its top Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the year.

Through the scholarship, the Foundation aims to address some challenges faced by the education sector to provide more and better educational opportunities to the younger generation and thus leave its footprint in the building of a better society.

LRWC President Andy Tsui said, “We wish to inspire the younger generation and make their dreams come true.”

“We are truly honored to welcome iACADEMY as a new partner, and we’re grateful to be given the opportunity to contribute to keeping students on the path towards a brighter future,” said Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation Inc.

The FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program will be launched in the current school year of iACADEMY. 

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental – BingoPlus, the first live-streaming bingo in the Philippines, added more life and gaiety to Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, one of the country’s biggest festivals that came back with a vengeance after an absence of two years.

From October 1 to 23, BingoPlus was in the mainstream of the celebrations as a sponsor of the Festival. With the celebration theme of “Balik Yuhum” (comeback), BingoPlus joined hands with the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation to pull out all the stops in staging a memorable and super-fun return to revelry in Bacolod City.

BingoPlus brought its signature feel-good mission to the month-long celebration of food festivals, beauty pageants, concerts, racing competitions, football games, and dance contests capped by a colorful, glittering night parade and street party, making this a Festival to remember for a long, long time.

The brand’s presence was felt in major events such as the Electric MassKara, the MassKara Street Dance & Arena Competition, the Miss Bacolod MassKara beauty pageant, and the Dance Off Competition. The competition where participants donned colorful costumes and smiling masks while dancing to festive music was the highlight of the Festival.

From October 1 to 22 BingoPlus also ran the MassKara Raffle Campaign and awarded Php100,000, Php 75,000, and Php 25,000 to lucky winners.

The annual festival, first held in 1980, showcased Bacolodnon’s joyful spirit and creative talents. MassKara made Bacolod the “City of Smiles”, which became a catalyst for the city’s development in tourism, crafts, arts, and services. It eventually became one of the major annual tourist attractions of the Philippines.

“We see the passion shared by MassKara and BingoPlus in bringing entertainment that gives rewarding experiences and added value to participants and audiences,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE) President. “It is for this reason that we find our support of Masskara as a very meaningful CSR initiative for BingoPlus.”

Since its launch, BingoPlus has supported numerous local talents and sports events. It is the official bingo partner of the PBA’s 47th season and is the official gaming partner of the Premiere Volleyball League.

In September, Bingo Plus held BingoPlus Day, an online celebration for its loyal supporters where Maine Mendoza was introduced as its newest celebrity endorser who will work alongside its first endorser, the most sought-after host, Luis Manzano.

BingoPlus also plans to grant scholarships to lucky dreamers who will be given a chance to take a technical course in one of the schools in Metro Manila.

BingoPlus is licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and is the flagship brand of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC)’s subsidiary, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE).

It is no secret that Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. more known as Nonong Haresco of the lone district of Aklan has a soft spot for the less priviledged. But instead of giving them fish, he encourages them to learn how to set up their own small business ventures as a means to make their lives better.

Haresco is a firm believer in the microenterprise industry and its ability to uplift hardworking individuals who in turn would eventually be able to provide jobs for others in their communities while at the same time help in the development of its socio-economic sector.

This is something Haresco learned at a young age. As a student at De La Salle University, he turned a P2000 loan from a relative into a buy-and-sell business by purchasing shrimps in Aklan which he would then sell in Manila.

Finishing with honors in Economics and in Accounting, and with his determination, his start-up developed into a 50 hectare prawn farming venture in Aklan which caters to big restaurants in the metro.

After completing his M.A in International Economics at the McGill University in Canada, Haresco participated in a UN Conference on Trade and Business which eventually led to the formation of Haresco Trade Specialists Co., and Silver Thread Inc., which exported local capiz shells to the European country.

To date, Cong. Haresco has authored and co-authored more than 60 house measures including HB00111-an act establishing a mechanism for the sustainable development and use of the island of Boracay; HB00115-an act increasing the bed capacity of Ibajay District Hospital from 25-100; HB02239-an act of granting P1000 monthly stipend to centenarians; HB02240-an act exempting users of e-vehicles from the payment of road user’s tax; HB022241-an act to prescribe nutrition labelling for food products; HB02323-an act granting P500 monthly allowance to barangay tanods; HB02414-an act amending section 5 of RA 10121 otherwise known as the act strengthening the Phil.Disaster Risk Reduction & Mgt. System; HB02415-an act to combat abuse and increase penalties for crimes against senior citizens; HB03192-an act providing for the establishment of barangay drugstores “Botika sa Barangay”; HB03366-an act penalizing anti-competitive agreements,abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers, establishing the Phil.FAir Competition Commission; HB03776-an act empowering the micro, samll, and medium enterprises; and HB04335-an act requiring mandatory installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on major roads included in routes of public utility vehicles among others.

Aside from these, some of his milestone accomplishements include being the only Visayanan and Aklanon to receive the 2007 Phil.Chamber of Commerce & Industry Businesman of the Year Award and the 2005 Deutsche Bank Banker of the Year Award. He was 2008 People Asia’s Person of the Year and is one of the 2008 Modern Day Filipino Heroes as well.

He is the principal developer of a nationwide scholarship fund for the children of slain journalists and has put 34 young scholars through school since 2007. Haresco likewise conceptualized the President’s Bridge Programme (PBP) as a parallel intervention to regular government infrastructure programs. This very successful re-engineering model in the Philippines is being duplicated in Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, CAmbodia, Siberia, and in other parts of Asia.

But above all these, nothing gives Nonong Haresco more fulfillment than his family. Happily married and a father to four, his contributions to the development of Aklan cannot be denied.